Tests prove negative for Ebola virus in Donegal man

The HSE has confirmed that laboratory test samples for a man who had recently returned from Africa has proved negative for the Ebola virus.

Infection control procedures which had been put in place as a precautionary measure, will now be stepped down.

"The HSE expressed its condolences to the individual’s family and friends for their loss", the body said in a statement.

The man, named locally as Dessie Quinn, aged 43, from the Doorin area outside Mountcharles, had reportedly been working in Sierra Leone as an engineer with a telecommunications company before he returned home two weeks ago.

A friend found him dead in bed at his home in Mountcharles yesterday. Mr Quinn had been receiving treatment for malaria.

Despite local anger and claims that the public, and not Mr Quinn's family, was told first that Ebola was being investigated as a possible cause of his death, the HSE insisted it maintained close contact with the Quinn family at all times and only issued the statement on the back of media reports.

“The HSE was in contact with some family members from the outset of the tragic situation yesterday,” a spokeswoman said.

“The story broke in the media just before 6pm yesterday at which point the HSE had to make a public statement on the matter, given the urgency and nature of a public health issue such as this.

“The HSE has expressed its sincere condolences to the family for their loss.”

The cause of his death has not been revealed, but locals said they believed Mr Quinn had received treatment for malaria.